Want to be a Superhero for a day and make a difference for children in our community?

More than 600 people will join together on September 24, 2016, to participate in the CASA Superhero Day at Rowan College of Gloucester County. The special event includes a Superhero 5K Run/Walk, a unique Superhero Kids Run, a bouncy house, face painting and other Superhero themed family activities. The event bears the Superhero theme to draw attention to the fact that, “Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes.” This ties in directly with CASA’s mission which is: Every abused and neglected child in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties deserves a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) ensures that a court-empowered, independent volunteer is able to voice timely and objective recommendations on behalf of the child.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties. CASA trains volunteers called “advocates” who are appointed by judges to provide a voice for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their advocate is the only constant adult presence in their lives.

CASA works in the trenches to help protect our children. Over the last year in the four counties over 315 children were provided a voice in court through CASA. We are happy to provide meaningful opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference, but we can’t do it alone. The incidence of child abuse in Southern New Jersey has reached epidemic proportions with more incidents of child abuse than all other forms of violent crime combined. The Superhero Day will enable us to recruit additional volunteers and raise funds to double the number of children we serve.

While our organization deals with tough issues—the purpose of this event is good old-fashioned family fun. The problems we face are not insurmountable. We can work together to prevent abuse and to help the innocent victims of child abuse recover and thrive.

We look forward to seeing you at the event and encourage you to sign up in advance. Sign up now!